A Kentucky dad has won his family free VIP tickets after rushing to watch a basketball game with his son covered in coal.
In a photo, coal miner Michael McGuire can be seen at the Rupp Arena with his young son. From his fluorescent work clothes and disheveled appearance, it's clear that the dad has rushed to the game straight from work without taking time to shower or even change.
It didn't take long for the snap to go viral on social media, where it was seen by University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari.
The image touched Calipari, who said in a press conference on Tuesday that it had hit him "right between the eyes" per CBS News.
Taking to Twitter, the coach explained that the reason the photo had had such a profound impact on him was that his own family had a history of coal mining.
"My family's American dream started in a Clarksburg, WV coal mine, so this picture hits home," he wrote.
Calipari went on to say that he had a special treat for the family, writing: "From what I've been told, after his shift, he raced to be with his son [and] watch our team. Don't know who this is, but I have tickets for him [and] his family at Rupp to be treated as VIPs!!"
According to a report by CBS News, Calipari was eventually able to get in touch with McGuire's family and speak to his wife Mollie.
She spoke warmly of her husband's work ethic and dedication to his family, saying: "This is hard work, but he makes enough being there that I don't have to work. And he's a great father. He's done this many times."
Meanwhile, Calipari wasn't the only person impressed by the photo of McGuire. According to the coach, the coal miner has been inundated with calls from hotels and restaurants offering him free dinners and stays ever since the snap went viral. A car dealership even offered him and his family a new car.
Speaking about McGuire's turn of good fortune, Calipari said: "Isn't it neat for someone like that, who is a quiet, humble guy, to know people appreciate you, and we appreciate what you stand for? And I appreciate it because it's how my family got their start in this country. The American dream started in a coal mine in Clarksburg, West Virginia."
